Breakdown of audio investment

Mephisto; it seems to me that if you have a $5K system, 40% ($2000.) would be a LOT for wires, racks, tweaks etc., IMO, as it leaves less money for good quality speakers, main components etc. But if you have a $50K system, $20K or 40% for wires and tweaks might seem a little excessive, but at this price level it still leaves plenty of bucks for high quality primary components and speakers.

So it's kind of relative to the total value of your system. Because they (usually) cost less per unit, it seems easier to buy wires and tweaks etc., than high bucks major components.

In going through this exercise, I see I have about 25% in wires, rack, and tweaks and I don't consider it excessive (most is in wires)-- this is based on a low $40sK system (MSRP). In fact I think it was money well spent-- just my perspective. Cheers. Craig.

Vinyl playback: 40.1%
(incl. phono stage)
Amp: 19.1
CD playback: 14.3
Speakers: 9.5
Racks: 6.2
Interconnects: 5.6
Power cords, etc. 5.2

.....I should also note that it surprised me to see that I had about $10K mostly in various "wires"-- but, it works for me. Craig

It seems that Newbee and I were posting the same thought at the same time. Great minds run along similar channels-- right? Cheers. Craig

analogue 35%(including phono preamp)
speakers 20%
amp 10%
diy preamp 4%
headphone 7%
digital 10%
tapedeck 2%
tweaks(including vpi16.5) and wires 12%

DIY instruments including Weller Soldering station $150; NOS Oscilloscope $600; Hickock tube tester $150; Digital RS multimiter(measures capacitance as well); helping metal arms and magnifying lamp $100; Getinax-Cooper blank circuit boards, breadboards and many more helping electronic assembly tools are not included in the system but more and more act as a part of it when upgrade bug bites.